One of the four great classical novels of Chinese literature, Journey to the West tells the adventures of the pilgrimage the monk, Xuan Zang, and his three disciples made as they travelled to India to obtain Buddhist scriptures. Their quest was fraught with dangers, one of which included an encounter with the spider spirits. In this exhibit, one of the disciples, Sha Wu Jing - or Sha Ho Shang - is seen struggling with the spider spirits. Sculptures and statues portraying themes from Chinese folklore and legend such as Journey to the West form the foundation of Haw Par Villa, which Aw Boon Haw built in a bid to educate the public about Chinese culture. Originally called Tiger Balm Gardens, the theme park was built in 1937 along Pasir Panjang Road.
